It’s Sunday, 6 February 2022. I just deleted about 4 to 5 sentences because I did not think they were good enough. That’s okay, though.
To feel dejected means to feel low in spirit, sad, unmotivated, or forlorn. To be honest, I can absolutely relate. I think it’s a natural human feeling to have, especially with all that’s been going on in the past few years. Also, for people in their teens and twenties – who I can relate to more – our growing years seem like our falling apart year. Jeez. Overwhelming things seem to be happening left and right. Worse of all is that no one seems to understand. You feel lost and out of place. You want to hide, yet need to stay in people’s peripherals, so they can remember you for opportunities. Know what’s even funnier? That friend that looks to be doing super great also feels dejected and sees you as the one who is doing suer great. Don’t even get me started on the panic episodes. Let’s talk about how you can feel less dejected. Or more appropriately, let’s talk about how you can feel happy… or joyful!
- Cry. Harvard Health reports that crying releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids (endorphins) which are “feel-good” chemicals that ease emotional and physical pain. Even without the science, have you noticed that you feel better and relieved after crying? I, for one, feel more clear-headed. Post-tears, I begin to have a more realistic view of the situation I am in and realise I only really needed to release a dangerous buildup of stress. The next time you feel forlorn, cry it out, and maybe take a nap while you’re at it.
- Accept the situation. I remember how I used to try to CHANGE every single thing that was not working out well. Looking back now, I see how I was running a fool’s errand. Things can never be all good. You can never get everything right. People won’t always get things right. An event won’t always go as planned. The truth is that all of these are totally fine. One trick I use is to think about if something would matter a few weeks or months from now. If not, I absolutely move on. Be less of a fixer, and you’ll find joy in no time.
- Enjoy the process. In other words, don’t despise the days of little beginning. Yes, things take time. No, you are not slow. Have you tried to evaluate your progress? Assuming you are learning how to sew. It’s been a month now, and you now know how to sew a skirt. Then, you feel sad because that’s the “only” thing you know how to do. I think you do yourself a disservice by thinking that! First, that’s not the “only” thing you know how to do! After one month, you can design a skirt, measure and cut a pattern, use a sewing machine, and actually sew. The best part is that only 30 days ago, you did not know how to do all of those things. Isn’t that exciting? What’s more? You have more months ahead to improve your skill further. This is worth feeling joyful for, don’t you agree?